Bay Area Peace Activists Head for D.C.

Bay Area Peace Activists Head for Washington D.C.

Bay Area Peace activists plan to join with thousands of other advocates for peace from around the country and the world this weekend in Washington D.C.. Originally united in opposition to the World Bank, I.M.F. policies, stunned by the tragedy of September 11th, activists respond to the "war cries" with demonstrations, teach-ins, and repeated calls and petitions for "restraint." A crime against humanity was committed not an act of war. Violence begets violence. An eye for and eye makes the whole world blind. Since the C.I.A. funded and trained terrorists throughout the world, much of the responsibility for terrorism lies at the doorstep of the United States government.
While endless analysis and historical background dominate the flow of discussions over the internet, the message of activists remains relatively simple and clear- "No War. Do Not Drop Bombs on Civilians." Bay Area activists this week painted and sewed new banners to push the message a bit farther-

"One Earth One People One Love"

The image is that of our planet, with a heart imposed on it surrounded by a diverse group of people holding hands. The quote is from Alice Walker. On the flip side is-

"One Air One Water One Hope
Respect All Life"

Activists believe that Militarization is one of the darker aspects of Globalization that threatens all people, all life at this moment in history, and that our hope lies in respecting International Law, preventing more crimes against humanity, and the unbridled use of violent military force.
The Secret Service has revoked the permits in Lafayette Park and the Ellipse where one rally and march were originally to be held in the interests of "national security." As dissent grows, the obstacles for peaceful freedom of expression increase, but do not deter the global movement for Peace and Justice, which has adapted to the current problem by choosing a new route.